In spring, Matthaei and the Arb burst into life. Over 20,000 daffodils in a line emerge and bloom at the Arb The fragrance of lilacs is on the air. Woody plants show off their flowers and the peonies peak in June.Check out the bloom calendar.

staff biographies

Tom O’Dell has a B.S. from the School of Natural Resources at the University of Michigan and has been with MBGNA since 1989. Tom brings a wide range of experience to the collections and natural areas department, including turf maintenance, grounds maintenance, and facilities maintenance. He currently oversees the installation and care of much of our outdoor woody plant collections. He also works with natural areas management and restoration at the Arb and Gardens. Tom is an avid naturalist, animal tracker, and bird watcher.